How to Evangelize When No One Will Listen

“Hi! We’re from the Seventh-Day Adventist church down the street. We brought some books that we want to share with you.”

“I don’t have time for this.” And, with that, the door was closed in our faces. A small Bible study group I was a part of decided to go around the neighborhood and pass out some Christian books.

As my group went door-to-door, we came across a few people who were simply rude. They didn’t have any interest in what we wanted to share and they made sure we knew it.

Jesus commands us, in Matthew 28:16-20, to go into all the world and make disciples.

How can we evangelize if people won’t listen?

Many of us are eager to share the hope of Jesus with others, but, if we’re honest, giving up sounds pretty good when no one cares about what we have to say.

Let’s take a look at 3 key principles regarding evangelism.

1. Evangelism is our responsibility.

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15

Whether people are open to what we have to say or whether they slam the door in our faces, we are commanded to go and proclaim the gospel.

Just think of the prophet Jeremiah. He spent years and years preaching God’s message to the people of Jerusalem, but they refused to listen to him.

What did they do? They laughed. They threw him out of the temple. They put him in jail. Did he stop preaching? No. Jeremiah believed in God’s messages and knew that it was his responsibility to share it with the people. He didn’t force it on them, but he never gave up.

Jesus is coming soon and it’s our job to share that hope with everyone around us.

2. Evangelism is simply sharing the good news of Christ.

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15

Each one of us has a story; a testimony of what God has done in our lives. Evangelism is simply sharing that with the people around us.

You don’t have to be a perfect speaker. You don’t have to plan an entire speech. Just know what you believe and be prepared to share why you believe what you believe with others.

Don’t forget about the last part of the verse. Give the reason for the hope that you have; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Evangelism is all about sharing the greatness of God with others. A wonderful way to do this is to invite someone to a Bible study or youth group. Things might not always turn out the way you plan, but don’t use that as a reason to give up.

3. The Holy Spirit will help you.

“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12

When we go about doing God’s work, there’s no need to worry about what we will say or what to do if we mess up or stumble.

Whenever God calls us to do something, He makes a way. He sees us through.

As we mentioned earlier, evangelism is our responsibility from God. Just as there will be people who won’t want to listen, there will also be people who will want to listen.

Going door-to-door or inviting someone to church are only 2 of the many ways you can evangelize. God has given us each special gifts and talents. Use them!

Next time you’re walking through your neighborhood, trying to evangelize, remember this. Though door after door may close, God has something special planned for that one door that opens.

Challenge: Pick a time, this week, to go over what you believe and practical ways you can share that with others. Then, pick one of those ways, get out there, and evangelize!

I’d love to hear your story on evangelism! Tell me about your experience in the comment section below!

*all Scripture verses were taken from the English Standard Version*

Hey Girls! It’s such a blessing that we can encourage you in your walk with Christ, however, we are not licensed counselors and cannot offer professional advice. If you are seeking help and counsel, we strongly encourage you to talk to a trusted adult such as your parents, a godly woman, or a pastor. They can better guide you, as they are able to know the details of your situation.

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This was so helpful! I often shy away from open evangelism because I assume that people won’t respond positively. Thanks for the reminders <3

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Kayla Marie Matlock is a young woman with a passion for sharing joy with the hurting and deepening her faith. She is the founder of Rescued with Purpose Ministries and plans to pursue the career of counseling. She loves youth ministry and is excited to see where the Lord leads.